You should not become involved with drugs of any kind. Possession of even
very small quantities can lead to imprisonment.
Nicaragua
Capital:
Managua
Official Language: Spanish
Religions:
95% Roman Catholic and 5% Other
Currency: Cordoba
= 100 pence
Placements: Nicaraguan
Private Wildlife Reserve
Map
Background
Nicaragua is best known not for its stunning landscapes or vast cultural treasures, but for a war in which a popular uprising was suppressed by a US-backed government. The after-effects of these and other setbacks have left the country in a state of shock from which it is gradually emerging.
Special Events
Major events.
Climate
Nicaragua's climate varies according to altitude. The Pacific lowlands are always extremely hot, but the air is fresh and the countryside green during the rainy season (May to November); the dry season (December to April) brings winds that send clouds of brown dust across the plains. The Caribbean coast is hot and wet; it can rain heavily even during the brief dry season (March to May). The mountains of the north are much cooler than the lowlands.
Travel Info
Flights to and from Managua are available from a number of Latin
American, European and North American airlines. Nicaragua's major carrier is La
Costeña, while Atlantic Airlines is the second biggest with fewer flights, more
comfortable planes and slightly more expensive fares. The departure tax is
There are three overland border crossings into Honduras, at Las Manos, El Espino and Guasule, and one into Costa Rica, at Sapoá. There is also a river border crossing between Nicaragua and Costa Rica at Los Chiles, reachable by boat from San Carlos. Fishing and cargo boats from Bluefields and Puerto Cabezas, both on the Caribbean Coast, are always coming and going; you may be able to hitch a ride to another Central American port or island.
Visas
Citizens of the UK, USA, the Scandinavian countries, Guatemala, El Salvador,
Honduras, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and European Union countries do not need
visas and are issued a tourist card (
Safety
Terrorism
The threat from terrorism is low. But you should be aware of the global
risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian
targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
Crime
Street crime is prevalent in Managua and occasionally occurs in other large
towns. Violent crime is on the increase. Pickpockets and thieves operate on
public transport. Robberies are common in and around bus terminals, both for
local and international routes. In November and December 2005, there were
several reports of robberies occurring at the bus stop in front of the
Universidad Centroamerica (UCA). Do not resist a robbery attempt. Many criminals
have weapons, and most injuries and deaths have resulted when victims have
resisted. If you are robbed, you should inform the local police and obtain a
signed and sealed copy of their report.
You should avoid using street moneychangers, as there were reports during
the first half o 2005, of assaults on people exchanging money in the streets.
(See General section for more information on currency).
Where possible use radio-dispatched taxis. If you are getting a taxi on the
street, be sure to choose an authorised taxi, which has red plates. There have
been reports of express kidnapping of passengers using unauthorised taxis, where
cash is demanded for release a short while later. Only use taxis that have the
driver’s identification number, name and photograph clearly visible on the
dashboard. You should take note of the colour and number of the vehicle.
Although it is customary in Nicaragua to share taxis with strangers, you are
advised to try and arrange a private journey with the driver. Always negotiate
the fare with the driver before the journey.
You should not to travel on buses after dark.
You should take precautions when walking, particularly in the markets, bus
stations and poorer areas of the town and especially in the vicinity of the old
cathedral in Managua. Do not walk alone after dark.
Avoid wearing jewellery. Do not carry large amounts of cash, credit cards
or other valuables.
Keep photocopies of valuables such as passports (including date of entry
stamp), airline tickets, driving licence and travellers’ cheques separate from
originals.
Political Situation
The situation in Managua has become more tense following a number of
demonstrations and as attention turns to preparations for the 2006 Presidential
and Legislative elections. Demonstrations have on occasion turned violent and
affected access to the airport. Roadblocks may occur on main roads disrupting
movement around the city as well as at other points around the country. Further
demonstrations are expected in Managua and could take place elsewhere in
Nicaragua. You are advised to avoid large public gatherings or
demonstrations.
Local Travel
We advise travelling with caution in the North Atlantic Autonomous Region
(RAAN) due to the remoteness of this area. There have been occasional incidents
of violent crime in Bonanza, La Rosita, Siuna and Little Corn Island. You should
not walk alone after dark.
In June and July 2005, there were reports of assaults on vehicles
travelling from Managua airport via Tipitapa to Granada: you should avoid use of
this route after dark. We also advise against travel after dark on roads and
highways in the department of Esteli and on the highway between El Sauce and San
Jose de Achuapa where armed gangs have attacked vehicles.
Although extensive de-mining operations have been conducted to clear rural
areas of northern Nicaragua of landmines left from the war, you should exercise
caution if you venture off the main roads.
You should not hike on volcanoes or in other remote areas without an
experienced guide. Three tourists including a British national died when hiking
on Ometepe Island’s volcanoes in 2004.
Road Safety
Road safety, or lack of it, is probably the biggest single hazard to
travellers in Nicaragua.
Road conditions are generally poor, particularly during the wet season when
large potholes can appear overnight. There is no street lighting on the main
highways between major cities and only minimal street lighting in urban areas.
Driving standards and the conditions of vehicles are poor, particularly those of
taxis and buses. Many vehicles do not have rear, brake or indicator lights.
Running traffic lights whilst at red is common practice. Drink driving is a
severe problem.
Air Safety
During the wet season (April to October) you are advised to fly to and from
the Atlantic coast of Nicaragua on early morning flights, because of the risk of
severe storms later in the day.
Sea Safety
Strong currents off sections of Nicaragua's Pacific coast have resulted in
a number of drownings. Warning signs are not posted and lifeguards and rescue
equipment are not readily available in Nicaragua. You should exercise caution if
contemplating any swimming or other water activities.
LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
Health
Public hospitals are not well equipped and although they do not charge for
emergency services, they do charge for all supplies and medicines which would
normally need to be bought from outside as stocks are not maintained in
hospitals. Each department of the country has its own public hospital.
Many doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing
service although a few private hospitals will accept major credit cards for
payment. There are about 10 private hospitals/clinics in Managua.
Tap water in Managua has been tested and found safe for drinking. But you
are advised to drink bottled water when travelling outside the capital.
Dengue fever and malaria are endemic to Nicaragua. Before travelling, you
should consult your doctor about suitable anti-malarial medication, and on
arrival in Nicaragua ensure that you take adequate precautions against being
bitten by mosquitoes.
There are occasional cases of cholera and Leptospirosis. If you are arriving from a country where Yellow Fever is endemic, you must have a valid vaccination certificate to enter Nicaragua. You should seek medical advice before travelling.
There are occasional cases of cholera and Leptospirosis. If you are arriving from a country where Yellow Fever is endemic, you must have a valid vaccination certificate to enter Nicaragua. You should seek medical advice before travelling.
Injections required
Immunisations advised
Diptheria/Tetanus, Hepatitis A,
Typhoid, Yellow fever
Immunisations that maybe required
Poliomyelitis, Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B, Rabies
Malaria Yes
Reciprocal Health Care None
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